Non-medical videoscope

Abstract

A videoscope includes a sensor end having an image detector and at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of an eddy current sensor and an ultrasonic sensor, a handle; and an elongated arm that comprises a conduit that connects the sensor end to the handle. The conduit houses a link that transmits image information from the image detector through the conduit, and the conduit further houses at least first and second working channels that extend from the sensor end to the handle. Fluid injected at a handle end of the conduit passes through the first working channel, out the sensor end, and onto the surface under examination. The second working channel contains the eddy current or ultrasonic sensor and passes their signals through the conduit.

1 . A videoscope for examining a surface, said videoscope comprising: 
 (a) a sensor end having an image detector and at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of an eddy current sensor and an ultrasonic sensor;    (b) a handle; and    (c) an elongated arm that comprises a conduit that connects the sensor end to the handle;    wherein the conduit houses a link that transmits image information from the image detector through the conduit; and    wherein the conduit further houses at least first and second working channels that extend from the sensor end to the handle;    wherein fluid injected at a handle end of the conduit passes through the first working channel, out the sensor end, and onto the surface under examination; and    wherein the second working channel transmits signals from the eddy current or ultrasonic sensor that is passed through the conduit.    
   
   
       2 . The videoscope of  claim 1  further comprising at least one light source positioned at or near the sensor end.  
   
   
       3 . The videoscope of  claim 2  further comprising at least one optical fiber adapted to transmit light to the at least one light source, wherein the at least one optical fiber is positioned within the arm and extends along the length of the arm.  
   
   
       4 . The videoscope of  claim 3  wherein the image detecting element is a CCD (charge coupled device), and the at least one transmission path for transmitting signals from the CCD comprises at least one electrical conductor.  
   
   
       5 . A method of using a videoscope comprising: 
 using the videoscope to identify a portion of an assembly to which fluid is to be applied; and    using the videoscope to deliver and apply fluid to the identified portion.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the fluid delivered is water or a dye.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising using the videoscope to place a sensor in contact with the fluid applied to the identified portion of the assembly.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the sensor is an ultrasound sensor, the fluid delivered is water, and the method further comprises using the ultrasound sensor to examine the portion of the assembly to which fluid was applied.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the fluid is a dye or other marking fluid and the method comprises removing a portion of the assembly limiting access to the marked portion of the assembly, and then using the applied marking fluid to re-identify the marked portion of the assembly.  
   
   
       10 . A videoscope comprising an elongated arm having at least two working channels.